PCCS Unscripted

From prevention to empowerment: a modern approach to heart failure management

In this episode, Dr Kassianides and Dr Birkhoelzer discuss the updated European Society of Cardiology guidelines on heart failure. The conversation begins by highlighting new concepts introduced in the guidelines, real-world implementation and the need for prevention of heart failure rather than simply reacting to it. Next, they go on to discuss the requirement for early referral of patients to cardiology services, while touching on the importance of holistic management. The dialogue continues with a focus on how to communicate with patients citing use of analogies that help during patient conversations. Extending from this, Dr Birkhoelzer closes the podcast by explaining what her podcast, BeatWise, can offer for patients, to support their empowerment and understanding upon diagnosis. Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

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The CVKM Crossroads: Rethinking Care in Primary Practice

Join Dr Xenophon Kassianides and Prof Raj Thakkar for a whistle-stop tour of the evolving CVKM landscape in primary care. This episode will explore the modern service framework and the value of a holistic approach to CVKM management, alongside the need for innovative models of care delivery. The discussion will also address the underdiagnosis and undertreatment of CVKM conditions in women, highlight the STAMP approach to CKD management and consider lipid-lowering therapy initiation for patients at high cardiovascular risk. Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

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Lifestyle Medicine in CVD: What the Evidence Shows - and What It Takes in Practice

In this episode, Dr Sundhya Raman joins Dr Xenophon Kassianides to look beyond the familiar advice to “eat better and exercise” and ask a more useful question: what does the evidence for lifestyle medicine actually show? Using the CENTURY trial as a platform, they revisit evidence from intensive lifestyle interventions, looking at the combination of dietary change, exercise and wider support rather than weight loss alone. They briefly touch on the 2026 ESC Guidelines on Cardiac Rehabilitation, and consider how the CVD Modern Service Framework could facilitate a change in attitudes. Sundhya and Xenophon also discuss how lifestyle evidence should be considered alongside medical treatment and drug outcome trials, and why sustained support, physical activity, diet and the wider determinants of behaviour all matter when helping patients make lasting changes. Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

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HFpEF Unmasked: New Evidence, New Guidance

In this episode, our host Xenophon Kassianides and Prof Clare Taylor, and Dr. Jim Moore discuss the changing landscape of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and what it means for primary care. They explore why HFpEF is often missed, how to recognise it in patients presenting with breathlessness and multimorbidity, and how newer evidence has changed the treatment conversation. They also put this into the context of current guidance, including the updated NICE chronic heart failure guideline (NG106), and how MRA alongside an SGLT2 inhibitor represent treatments to consider. The discussion highlights the important role of primary care in earlier diagnosis, appropriate coding, treatment of comorbidities and joined-up CVKM care. Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

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Summer Round Up

Join Dr Xenophon Kassianides, Prof Derek Connolly and Prof Kausik Ray for an overview of this Summer's insights and developments shaping CVD management. From clinical trial findings, to the importance of atherosclerosis and plaque regression and Lp(a). The evidence discussed continues to reinforce a familiar message: optimise CVD prevention, initiate treatment early and maintain therapy over time. Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

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Summer Round Up

Join Dr Xenophon Kassianides, Prof Derek Connolly and Prof Kausik Ray for an overview of this Summer's insights and developments shaping CVD management. From clinical trial findings, to the importance of atherosclerosis and plaque regression and Lp(a). The evidence discussed continues to reinforce a familiar message: optimise CVD prevention, initiate treatment early and maintain therapy over time. Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

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New Modern Service Framework (MSF)

The new Cardiovascular Disease Modern Service Framework sets out a long-term vision for reducing premature deaths from heart disease and stroke through earlier prevention, diagnosis and treatment and a more integrated cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic approach. Dr Xenophon Kassianides is joined by the framework’s clinical co-chair, Dr Jessica Randall-Carrick, to discuss what it means for primary care. They explore finding people with undiagnosed or undertreated risk, treatment to target, neighbourhood delivery, cardiovascular rehabilitation and proportionate approaches to health inequality. Xenophon is strongly supportive of the framework’s ambition—but also puts the concerns of supportive sceptics to Jessica. Does primary care have the necessary capacity? Who will be accountable for delivery? How will measurement improve care rather than add burden? And what would make this framework different from previous national strategies? Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

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PCCS Team of the Year

Dr Xenophon Kassianides is joined by Dr Paul Riley from Wide Way Medical Centre, whose Value-based Integrated Proactive approach to cardiovascular care won the PCCS Best QIP award, while the multidisciplinary planned care team behind it received Best Team. They explore how the practice moved from fragmented, single-condition reviews towards proactive and integrated cardiovascular risk management; how data, workforce skill mix and a weekly MDT supported delivery; and what the results mean for patients, staff and NHS capacity. They also consider how this local model aligns with the new CVD Modern Service Framework and what other practices and PCNs can learn from it. Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

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Round up of Spring 2026 Conference Season

In this episode, three members of the PCCS council come together to share their highlights and reflections from the recent European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) Conference, British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) Conference and the American Diabetes Association Congress. Prof Derek Connolly, Consultant Cardiologist at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, Dr Xenophon Kassianides, GP with an Extended Role in CVRM Medicine, and Prof Raj Thakkar, President of the PCCS, unpack the key updates, emerging evidence and practical takeaways from the conference. Translating the latest thinking on cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis into insights primary care healthcare professionals can use in everyday practice. Please click here to view the speakers' declarations of interests. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠About the CVD Academy | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

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Cardiopulmonary risk matrix

In this episode, Dr Xenophon Kassianides is joined by PCCS President Elect and Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Beverley Bostock, to discuss patient-centred care to manage breathlessness and cardiopulmonary conditions, key topics include: The importance of taking the time to take a thorough patient history, making every contact count How to use the cardiopulmonary risk matrix to consider if patients with COPD could also have CVD and vice versa – be mindful of an additional diagnosis Why accessible lifestyle guidance should be integrated at practice-level, ahead of patients experiencing an event i.e. ‘prehab’ Explore a fictional case study seen in everyday practice; 72-year-old, ex-smoker, with COPD and other comorbidities, with worsening breathlessness exacerbated in the heat If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠Become a Member | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ _________________________________________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP. Please ⁠click here⁠ to view the speakers' declaration of interest.

Lifestyle Medicine

Following their highly engaging sessions at the recent PCCS Spring Conference, Dr Hannah Wright and Dr Sundhya Raman join our podcast host, Dr Xenophon Kassianides, to discuss lifestyle medicine and obesity: Lifestyle medicine is an emotive topic: People living with obesity have often felt judged in a healthcare setting, how can we move away from the perception that obesity is a choice using the six pillars of lifestyle medicine? GLP-1’s: What nutritious foods support weight loss and how can exercise and resistance training support weight loss maintenance? Clinicians: How can GP’s work collaboratively with their patients to achieve actionable goals and frame weight loss in a positive light i.e. not a target weight only? If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠Become a Member | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise.

Direction of CVD management in primary care

We are delighted in this episode of the podcast, Dr Xenophon Kassianides was joined by Prof Derek Connolly and Prof Nick Harding to explore the future direction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) management in primary care. They discuss how proactive approaches can improve outcomes, alongside practical ways to drive and sustain change within practices and aim to empower teams to move from reactive care towards more preventative, patient-centered management. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: Become a Member | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP.

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From Reactive to Proactive Care

In this episode, Dr Xenophon Kassianides and Prof Raj Thakkar explore how primary care is evolving. They cover key changes, including the 2025/26 QOF updates, and the growing shift from reactive care to a more proactive, preventative approach as well as what this means and why it matters for the future of general practice. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: Become a Member | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP. Please click here to view the speakers' declaration of interest.

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Rethinking Kidney Care in Everyday Practice

In this weeks episode of PCCS Unscripted, Dr Xenophon Kassianides, is joined by Consultant nephrologist, Prof Kieran McCarfferty, to talk all things heart, kidneys and diabetes. CKD is common but often misunderstood or missed, and earlier detection can make a real difference. They discuss why CKD is overlooked, how to check for it in everyday practice, and why getting it right matters for long‑term cardiovascular and metabolic health. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: Join the PCCS | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP. Please click here to view the speakers' declaration of interest.

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Mental Health & CVD

In this week’s episode, Dr Xenophon Kassianides is joined by Prof Raj Thakkar to explore the complex relationship between mental health and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Their discussion highlights the importance of addressing mental health within primary care, examines the physiological links between mental health conditions and CVD, and outlines effective approaches for managing patients experiencing both. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the PCCS | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP. Please ⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠ to view the speakers' declaration of interest.

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In discussion about the updates to the NICE guideline 'Type 2 diabetes in adults: management'

In this weeks episode, Dr Xenophon Kassianides, Prof Derek Connolly, Beverley Bostock & Dr Paul Ferenc sit down together to discuss the updates to the NICE guideline NG28: Type 2 diabetes in adults: management, which was updated on 18 February 2026. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the PCCS | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP. Please ⁠⁠click here⁠⁠ to view the speakers' declaration of interest.

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All Things Sleep

In this week’s episode, Dr Xenophon Kassianides is joined by Lifestyle Medicine Doctor, Dr Sundhya Raman, to delve into all things sleep. Together, they explore the different types of sleep and why each stage matters, break down the science behind quality rest, examine the impact of poor sleep on overall health, and share practical strategies to help improve a nightly routine. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the PCCS | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP. Please ⁠click here⁠ to view the speakers' declaration of interest.

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Deep dive into cardiac rehabilitation

This week’s episode continues our exploration of revascularisation from last week’s podcast. Our host, Dr Xenophon Kassianides, is joined by Prof Derek Connolly, Beverley Bostock and Maria Glover to dive into all things cardiac rehabilitation, unpacking key questions such as: What is cardiac rehabilitation? What does this service aim to achieve? Why is cardiac rehabilitation considered a lifelong commitment? Which populations need additional support to engage with the service? If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the PCCS | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP. Please click here to view the speakers' declaration of interest.

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Deep dive into revascularisation

In this weeks episode Dr Xenophon Kassianides is joined by PCCS council members, Prof Derek Connolly and Dr Paul Ferenc, as they take a deep dive into revascularisation: when to think about it, how to approach it and why it is important. If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the PCCS | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP. Speakers declarations can be found on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

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CVRM Research 2025 Wrapped

Please join Dr Xenophon Kassianides, Prof Derek Connolly and Dr Rani Khatib for a comprehensive recap of the progress in CVRM medicine during 2025: Outlining antiplatelet drugs and beta blockers post ACS Discussing the ESC guidelines update on cholesterol management, the importance of a full lipid profile and the evidence for combination therapy The evolving market of antihypertensive drugs The obesity pandemic, how GLP-1’s support weight loss, highlighting the need for concurrent proactive health management including exercise and risk modification If you are a UK practising healthcare professional and would like to learn more about cardiovascular disease (CVD), please take a look at our online CVD academy here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the PCCS | Primary Care Cardiovascular Society⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ________________ This podcast is intended for UK Healthcare professionals only. The information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only. Prescribing or management decisions made by clinicians are exclusively their own responsibility. The speaker/PCCS bear no responsibility regarding management or prescribing decisions made by others, or otherwise. If you have any concerns about any personal health related issues discussed in this podcast, please consult with your own GP. Speakers declarations can be found on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

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